The first artists who grabbed my imagination worked in the comics field. They were John Buscema, Alfredo Alcala, and Nestor Redondo. On the classical side, there were Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Later, in my twenties and thirties, I came to love the works of Sir Frank Brangwyn, William Waterhouse, and Solomon J. Solomon. These artists were masters of composing the sensual and dramatic. I also came to appreciate the Golden Age illustrators of America, like Charles Dana Gibson, Alex Raymond, Dean Cornwell, Mead Schaeffer, etc. These artists collectively inspired me to pave a way for my own creative vision.
Our thanks to Marcelo, Rusty, Stuart, Jack and Barbara, Gary, Mark, Greg M., Greg S., Tim, John, Ed, Michael, Jay, Thommy, Fred, Kaitlin, Keith, and David. It’s been a privilege to work with each of you.
Thanks to the extraordinary vision and leadership of Marcelo Anciano, and the dedicated efforts of a number of exceptionally talented people, I think we’ve produced a series of books that Robert E. Howard could be proud of. I have benefited enormously from the efforts of Rob Roehm and David Gentzel, and the sage advice and assistance of Paul Herman and Patrice Louinet, throughout this series. The editorial and production team at Del Rey Books has been a complete joy to work with, exceptionally good at their business and profoundly patient with my shortcomings. Jim and Ruth Keegan have provided marvelous design and artistic direction. None of this would have been possible without Glenn Lord, the greatest champion that a writer could have hoped for, and a finer friend than I have ever deserved. And speaking of things I don’t deserve, the love and understanding of my wife, Shelly, has carried me through.
All good things must come to an end and I’d like to thank everyone I’ve worked with on this Robert E. Howard series; all the talented artists – a long-time Watkiss fan, I can’t wait to see what John’s done for this book; mainstays Rusty, Patrice and Jim and Ruth, Jay at Paradox and last, but not least Marcelo Anciano, for getting me involved way back when.